Fighting False Promises

By

Thomas G. Donlan

August 18, 2012

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Political philosophers of the reforming clique often dream of election campaigns untainted by money or emotion, in which candidates who differ on big issues debate them vigorously. Politicians and political operatives know better. They are running to win, so they don't discuss the issues or debate the issues; they exploit the issues.

That's why they say, "If you're explainin', you ain't winnin'," and that's why Mitt Romney's choosing Rep. Paul Ryan to be his running mate was greeted with dismay by many Republican...

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